COSMOSQUAD has just released its fourth album, “Acid Test”. It marks the group’s first studio effort since 2001’s highly regarded “Squadrophenia” which firmly established the trio as one of the premier progressive instrumental acts on the scene. Co-produced by Kollman and Gaalaas at the drummer’s Crumb West Studios in Simi Valley, CA, “Acid Test” is the first COSMOSQUAD effort without co-founding member, Barry Sparks, whose bass duties have been filled by a trio of capable, well credentialed players in Paul Shihadeh (SCOTT KINSEY), Kevin Chown (UNCLE CRACKER, EDWIN DARE), and the group’s new full-time addition, Christopher Maloney (DWEEZIL ZAPPA, HARDLINE).

This CD was recorded live during Jorn’s first concert in the USA, at the ProgPower VII Festival in Atlanta, where he performed as headliner on September 16th, 2006.

For those of you that have never checked out Jorn Lande before, Live in America is as good of a place, as any to begin. This double CD set features the incredible vocals of Jorn Lande, and the amazing guitar work of Tore Moren and Jörn Viggo Lofstad (The tandem from the superb 2006 release The Duke) , and also Steinar Krokmo on bass and Willy Bendiksen on drums.

During this set, Jorn covers songs from his releases: The Duke, Unlocking the Past, Out To Every Nation, as well as songs that he did with Beyond Twighlight, and Masterplan plus covers of songs by Deep Purple, Dio, and Whitesnake.

The only downfall with this disc, is its length. The live tunes with solos only last 75 minutes, and with the vast amount of music Jorn has put out over the years, this set could have been well over 2 hours long. There are a couple of nice bonuses however.

There are three studio tracks, the 2007 version of Out to Every Nation, the Black Sabbath cover Lonely Is The Word/Letters From Earth and Sacrificial Feelings (which was only available previously as a bonus track.) This is nice bonus to a great disc.

The sound quality on Live on America is superb, and the music is excellent. One listen to this set and you will quickly realize the amazing musicians Jorn Lande has in his band. The excellent musicianship plus the amazing vocals of Jorn Lande makes this a live collection that should appeal to most 80’s hard rock fans. (Jorn Lande fans probably already own this). If you are a fan of live hard rock music, DO NOT MISS Live in America!

Rating: Out of 10

Track Listing:

CD1
1. We Brought The Angels Down
2. Blacksong
3. Duke Of Love
4. Are You Ready
5. Cold Sweat
6. Drum Solo
7. Out To Every Nation
8. Guitar Solo
9. Straight Through The Heart